News Feature

Stonington in the summer “sells itself” said Matt Skolnikoff, Stonington’s Economic Development Director. That said, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to promote the town during the “shoulder seasons”—the fall and spring.

As part of this effort, the Town of Stonington Economic Development Committee organized a retail event featuring more than 20 Stonington businesses and organizations for Friday, September 7, from 3 to 8 p.m.

The goal of the event is to encourage visitors to come to Stonington after Labor Day, the traditional end of the summer season, but also to encourage locals to “rediscover downtown Stonington,” said Skolnikoff. After all, town is quieter and easier to navigate, but still full of shops, restaurants and galleries, he continued.

While most will be open later than usual on Friday, many shops and organizations will also offer a wide variety of incentives to shoppers and visitors. These range from special sales and discounts, giveaways, refreshments and drawings for gift certificates.

The event is held in conjunction with the art community’s final “First Friday” event of the season. Many of the galleries in Stonington have events scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., including artists’ talks, a book signing, and live music.

Just a few of the events include a Sunset Cruise offered by Old Quarry Ocean Adventures departing at Hagen Dock at 6 p.m.; a special cruise on the Isle au Haut Boat Services leaving Stonington at 3:30 p.m. and a showing of Woody Allen’s new film “To Rome with Love” at 7 p.m. at the Opera House.

If the event works for retailers, said Skolnikoff, other “shoulder season” events could be scheduled “even bigger and better.”